Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Steak:
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Season the steak generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the steak pieces in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare is around 130°F/55°C).
Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Combine:
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1 minute to coat evenly.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-4
#SteakLovers #GarlicButter #QuickDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect steak bites every time. First, ensure your steak is cut into uniform, 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry; this is crucial for a proper sear. Heat your skillet until it’s very hot before adding the oil and first tablespoon of butter. When adding the steak, do not overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat. Sear without moving for 1-2 minutes to develop a deep brown crust. After removing the steak, immediately lower the heat to prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce. The final toss in the pan should be brief, just to coat and re-warm the steak.
Serving Suggestions
These rich and savory steak bites are incredibly versatile. For a hearty meal, serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, pair with simple steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. They also make a fantastic appetizer or party food when served with toothpicks alongside crusty bread for dipping. A side salad with a sharp vinaigrette can help cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Cut steak into bites, pat dry, and season. Sear in hot oil and butter until browned. Remove steak. Lower heat, make sauce with butter, garlic, and thyme. Return steak to skillet, toss to coat, garnish, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. While sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin are recommended for tenderness, you can use flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain after cooking for the best texture.
2. How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Always lower the heat to medium after searing the steak. Adding the butter and garlic to a slightly cooled pan prevents the garlic from turning bitter and acrid.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
For best results, serve immediately. However, you can prep the steak pieces and mince the garlic ahead. Cook just before serving, as the steak can become tough when reheated.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. A microwave will likely overcook the steak, making it chewy.
5. Is there a dairy-free substitute for the butter?
For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality plant-based butter or all olive oil. The flavor profile will change but will still be delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a cold or crowded pan: This steams the steak instead of searing it, resulting in grey, tough meat.
- Moving the steak too soon: Allow a crust to form by not disturbing the pieces for the first 1-2 minutes.
- Burning the garlic: Adding garlic to high heat will make it taste bitter. Always reduce the heat before this step.
- Overcooking the steak bites: Since they are small pieces, they cook very quickly. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the most tender result.
- Not patting the steak dry: Excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear and will prevent browning.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is a foolproof path to an impressive, restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. The combination of a perfect sear and a simple, flavorful garlic butter sauce is guaranteed to satisfy. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.